Midterm Madness

 

Studying for big tests like midterms or finals can seem stressful and overwhelming, but when done right can be much more manageable.

Start off by making a schedule that can be reasonably follow. Go to the library at the same time each day, and study for set amounts of time. Break up the work.

Chewing gum has been found to not only help people focus, but it can also help with memory. While studying chew a new flavor of gum, one that you don’t usually get or is totally new to you. Then right before the test, chew the same flavor of gum.   Students will associate the flavor of the gum with some of the things that are being studied.

Stay positive while studying. Instead of getting frustrated and giving up, take a deep breath, relax, and try coming at it from a different angle or move on and come back to it.

Staying organized is essential. If half of the time set aside for studying is spent looking for the material, then the study time was not spent efficiently and useful time was wasted. In addition to keeping organized, only bring what you need to the study sessions. If Tuesday is the day designated to study math and english, don’t bring the material for history and science as well. It will get confusing and more time will be spent looking for what is actually needed

While studying, take breaks. Studying for hours on end isn’t healthy, and usually results in sore eyes and a bad headache. Instead study one topic for 45 min and then take a 5 min break. These breaks will help refresh and reset the brain so by the end it isn’t fried.

When studying for a big test like midterms or finals, it is important to balance studying with relaxing in the last week before. The stress of trying to study everything before the exam can actually make it harder for some people to study and retain material.

Studies have shown that exercise before studying can not only help clear the mind and sweat off tension, but it can also improve memory and making studying a little easier. Doing some yoga or meditation has the same clearing affect .

Do something that YOU like to do. Read a good book, draw, color, watch a movie, hang out with friends. Whatever you love to do, take some time to do so. It can help you relax, reset, and be more efficient when studying.

Everybody has their own method of studying and relaxing, and methods that work for some, don’t work at all for others.

Nia, a junior at hall, studies by only doing one topic a night and watching a new show, which helps her remember. While relaxing she likes to drink coco, watch a movie, listen to music and draw.

Danny, a freshman, uses quiz-let and study guides, and likes to relax by hanging out with friends and watching a movie.

Dawson, a senior tries to go to bed early and put on music or white noise to study. He also suggests that the day before the test, while it does help to study, it is also a good idea to slow down and relax.

Some helpful ideas for the night before the big test are to get all the needed materials together and in a bag. In the morning it saves time and stress; relax, maybe take a hot bath or whatever will help calm the brain and keep stress to a minimum; Getting to sleep early will ensure that you are not half dead and exhausted during the test; and last eat a healthy meal to ensure that you feel good the next day.